®
FOREDOM
Buffing and Polishing Guide
1. Safety Recommendations
Always wear safety glasses to prevent
eye injury caused by flying debris or
injury from a piece that is thrown back
by the wheel.
Do not wear loose clothing which might
get caught in the equipment.
Always wear a respirator and work in a
well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling
dust into your lungs. Foredom’s new
Filter Hood helps remove hazardous
dust – see listing inside.
Always hold your work firmly. Gloves
are a practical way to hold items that
become hot. Small pieces should be held
with a hand vise or wedge clamp.
Buffs 3″ and larger are for use on
tapered spindles at 5,000 RPM
Max Speed.
Use 1″ and 2″ buffs with an A-M78
mandrel at 20,000 RPM Max Speed.
Fig. 1
Compound
2. Applying Foredom compounds
to buffing wheels on lathes
A. While the wheel is revolving toward
you, pass a bar of compound lightly
across the face of the wheel, slightly
below the motor spindle (See Fig. 1),
until the face of the wheel is lightly
coated. Always apply the compound to
the wheel and never to the article itself.
B. Spread the compound evenly by
holding a clean piece of flat metal
against the wheel face. When the
compound is evenly distributed, the
wheel is ready for buffing or polishing.
Apply additional compound as needed
with a wiping motion.
Fig. 2
Surface to
be polished
C. Experiment with different compounds
on scrap pieces to determine which com-
pound gives the desired effect.
3. Applying Foredom compound
to buffs mounted on mandrels
(flex shaft handpieces)
A. Pass the bob or wheel lightly over
the bar of compound. Be careful not
to overload.
B. Spread the compound over the
surface of the bob or wheel by lightly
rubbing it on a piece of clean, flat metal,
until the compound is evenly distributed.
C. Reapply in the same manner,
when needed.
4. Applying compounds
to previously used wheels
It is best to use a separate wheel for
each type of compound to avoid contam-
ination and scratches. When absolutely
necessary, used wheels should be cleaned
by holding a file edge or the edge of a
hack saw blade against the revolving
wheel. Only coarser compounds than
the one used previously should be
applied to the used wheel. Never use a
final polishing or coloring compound on
a wheel or buff that has been previously
used for coarse cutting or buffing.
5. Buffing and Polishing
A. Make sure the wheel is revolving
toward you from top to bottom. Grasp
your workpiece firmly, remembering that
metal will become hot during buffing or
polishing operations. Small articles can
be held with hand vises or wedge
clamps, and chains can be wrapped
around a piece of wood. Keep the upper
edge of the workpiece away from the
wheel to avoid having it torn from
your hands.
B. Press the workpiece firmly against the
revolving wheel, slightly below the
center. (The compound will stick to the
article if you are pressing too lightly; and
the wheel will slow down if you are
pressing too firmly. See Fig. 2.)
Buffing and Polishing continued Surface Speed – The surface speed
per minute (SFPM) is the speed of the
C. Keep the workpiece in constant
motion, turning it quickly. This will help buffing wheel as it revolves. The size of
the wheel has a direct relationship to the
avoid buffing or scratch marks. As a rule
of thumb, 80%–90% of the operation surface speed.
will be spent on buffing (usually with Formula for calculating SFPM:
Tripoli), and 10%–20% will be spent on
SFPM = 1/4 of the diameter of the wheel
the final polishing operation usually
(in inches) x RPM of motor
with platinum white or red rouge.
For example: A Foredom BL Bench
Lathe with a 4″ diameter muslin wheel
6. Cleaning
at the maximum speed of 7,000 RPM.
Always clean the residue of a compound
off the workpiece before switching to 1/4 of the diameter of the wheel = 1 inch.
another compound. Generally, a hot 1 inch x 7,000 RPM = 7,000 SFPM (Ideal
for buffing.)
water solution with a few drops of
ammonia works well. An ultrasonic 8. Choosing the right wheel or
cleaner can also speed up the cleaning bob for your needs
operation. Dry thoroughly.
Buffs vary in size, hardness, material
composition, and shape. Selecting the
7. Terms and Definitions appropriate one for each buffing or
Burnishing – A metal surface is bright- polishing operation may require some
ened with a highly polished tool. Often experimentation. Solid felt buffs and bobs
can be used for all types of buffing and
used to remove deep scratches or to
polishing operations with gritty or smooth
add contour, such as a beveled edge.
compounds. They come in various shapes
Buffing (Coarse) – “Cutting down”
and hardnesses from medium to rock
with a coarse compound, such as Emery,
hard. Small shapes, such as cones, balls,
to remove surface blemishes. A thin
square edge wheels or knife edge wheels
layer of metal (scratch deep) is actually
are used for hard-to-reach areas inside
removed. Requires surface speed.
grooves or rings.
Prepares surface for polishing.
Loosely-stitched soft cotton buffs are for
Coloring – Bringing out the natural
delicate work on precious metals, and for
color and luster of precious metals.
polishing. Closely-stitched hard or stiff
Usually accomplished with softer or
cotton wheels and rock hard felt buffs are
finer compounds (ie. Platinum White or
used for cutting down and coarse buffing
Red Rouge).
operations on hard metals. Foredom’s
Compound – The material applied to complete selection of 4″ and smaller
the wheel or bob for the desired diameter buffs and compounds is shown
finished effect – ranging from coarse in this guide.
Emery cake with grit, to ultra-smooth
rouges with no grit. After selecting the buff and compound
that seems appropriate for the work, it is
Cutting Down – The initial stage of
a good idea to experiment on a piece of
buffing, using an abrasive compound to
scrap metal to determine what finish will
remove a layer of metal (scratch deep).
result at various speeds.
Polishing – Adds color and luster to
the final stage of finishing. Usually
accomplished with the smoother
compounds. Requires a slower wheel
speed than buffing.
Suggested Compounds and Wheel Speeds for Buffing and Polishing Cotton Polishing Buffs
Type of Iron, Steel Brass, Copper Gold, Silver Brass Plate Fine Weave (80 x 80) Razor Edge Yellow Treated Buffs
Material Hard Metals Soft Metals Plated, Solid Copper Plate Plastic Finex Muslin Buffs (Soft) Chemically treated (86 x 80
Operation cut color cut color cut color cut color cut color These buffs hold compounds well but weave) muslin provides added stiffness
the tighter weave results in longer life. and longer life. The additional stitching
FOREDOM Emery Platinum Tripoli Platinum Do Platinum Do Platinum Tripoli Platinum The center pin holes are reinforced with and leather and shellac (L/S) centers keep
Compound White White NOT White NOT Blue White shellac (S) for a tight fit on tapered wheel stiff while in use. Used for cutting
Cut Cut and polishing in grooves, crevices, and
mandrels and greater durability. Combed
edges do not require break in or combing inside curves.
Foredom Buffing and Polishing Compounds
®
to hold compound. The fine weave and
Red Rouge A-4004 – An excellent stitching make them durable and espe- Center Part
Emery A-4001 (Black) – Contains coarse Dia. Ply* Hole No.
emery grit. Excellent for removing surface compound for a final coloring and a high cially suitable for polishing with rouge.
imperfections such as scratches, scale, rust, polish for precious metals like gold, silver, Rows of Center Part 4″ 28 L/S A-CYR4
corrosion or burrs. Used for very fast cutting silver plate, pewter or nickel. Not for Dia. Ply Stitching Hole No.
of iron, steel and other hard metals. burnished surfaces.
1″ 40 1 S A-CBF1 Loose White Muslin Buffs
Not for gold, silver or plated items. Platinum Blue A-4007 – For pre-polishing
2″ 40 1 S A-CBF2 These buffs have only one row of
Tripoli A-4002 (Brown) – The most and cutting down of platinum and other stitching around the arbor hole which is
popular general compound for cutting down metals. 3″ 40 3 S A-CBF3
reinforced with leather and shellac (L/S).
and buffing base metals. Gives a smooth, Platinum White A-4006 – For final 4″ 40 3 S A-CBF4 Made of Finex (80 x 80 weave) muslin
finished look with a moderate luster to polishing to produce a deep luster on plat- with combed edges. The open layers
brass plating, copper, aluminum, pewter, inum, other metals, and acylics (8000 grit). provide a softer polishing action and
gold, plastic and painted surfaces. Also conform to contours and curves. Use
ideal for preliminary coloring operations. Carnauba A-4008 – The hardest with rouge for coloring or final
natural wax available. Non-tacky and highly Coarse Weave (60 x 60)
White Diamond Rouge A-4003 – A fast White Muslin Buffs polishing operations.
regarded for its tough and wear resistant Part
cutting compound that produces a high qualities. It is especially good for producing These have a more Dia. Ply No.
gloss finish and will not discolor. Excellent a high luster on wood and painted surfaces. open weave to hold
on plastics and hard metals like platinum, more compound. 3″ 35 A-LCB35
white gold, stainless steel, chrome and Used as a general 3″ 40 A-LCB3
nickel. Not for plated items. purpose buff with
cutting and polishing compounds. 4″ 40 A-LCB4
Compound Weight Part No. Combed edges do not need breaking-in
Emery 6.5 oz. bar A-4001 or combing to hold compound. Center pin
Emery 19 oz. bar A-5001 holes are reinforced with shellac (S). Yellow Treated Cotton Buffs
Rows of Center Part Made with chemically
Tripoli 4.5 oz. bar A-4002 Dia. Ply Stitching Hole No. treated extra fine
Tripoli 14 oz. bar A-5002 (86 x 80) weave fabric,
1″ 40 1 S A-CBC1 these buffs are stiffer
White Diamond Rouge 5.5 oz. bar A-4003 than untreated ones.
2″ 40 1 S A-CBC2
White Diamond Rouge 17 oz. bar A-5003 Individual bars and They will cut faster and
Kit of 4 bars 3″ 40 3 S A-CBC3 last 2 to 3 times longer than white muslin
Red Rouge 5.75 oz. bar A-4004
buffs. Combed edges hold compounds with-
Red Rouge 17 oz. bar A-5004 4″ 40 3 S A-CBC4
out break in or combing. Center pin holes
Red Rouge 1 oz. tube A-40041 6″ 50 4 S* A-CBC65 are reinforced with shellac (S).
4 Bar kit 22.25 oz. AK4000 7″ 50 4 S* A-CBC75 Rows of Center Part
(one ea. of Emery, Tripoli, White Diamond Rouge, Red Rouge) Dia. Ply Stitching Hole No.
* Extra thickness eliminates need for leather reinforcements.
4″ 30 3 S A-CBY43
Platinum Blue 5 oz. bar A-4007
Platinum Blue A-40071 4″ 40 3 S A-CBY4
1 oz. tube
5″ 40 3 L/S A-CBY5
Platinum White 5.75 oz. bar A-4006
Platinum White 1 oz. tube A-40061 6″ 40 4 L/S A-CBY6
6″ 50 4 S A-CBY65-S
Carnauba 2 oz. bar A-4008 www.foredom.net
Flannel (Canton) Buffs
These cotton buffs
are made with thicker,
softer fabric. Excellent
for final polishing
with rouge on precious
metals (especially
good on high karat gold and silver). Center
pin holes are reinforced with shellac (S) for
a tight fit on tapered mandrels.
Rows of Center Part
Dia. Ply Stitching Hole No.
3″ 30 2 S A-CFB3
Square Edge Solid Felt Buffs
Made from tightly com- Radial Bristle Discs
pressed, top quality
wool felt in medium These discs are popular among jewelers wheels, regular brushes, and buffs, and
and hard density, these and dental technicians because their thin do not produce the heat associated with
are used for polishing flexible bristles get into hard to reach areas. rubber wheels. They work well on gold,
and lapping flat Use for cleaning metal surfaces, fire scale silver, platinum, brass, copper, titanium,
surfaces. They hold an edge for working in and oxide removal, finishing, blending, stainless steel, plastic, acrylic, and wood.
angles and corners, and have pin hole texturing, pre-polishing and polishing, No compounds, rouges or pastes are
centers for use on tapered mandrels. Use Scotchbrite Radial Bristle Discs generate required. Bristles contain abrasives.
with all compounds for cutting or polishing. little or no dust, last far longer than rubber
Part
Dia. Thick Hardness No. For 2″ discs For 3″ discs
30,000 RPM Max Operating Speed 20,000 RPM Max Operating Speed
2″ 3/8″ Medium A-SE4M Recommended Speed for most Recommended Speed for most
applications is 5,000–18,000 RPM applications is 5,000–18,000 RPM

Small Diameter Buffs Square Edge Felt Buffs Part No. per 6-Pack
These smaller diameter Part Grit Color 2″ Discs 3″ Discs
buffs can be mounted on Dia. Thick Hardness No.
mandrels for use in Foredom 1/2″ 1/8″ Medium A-SE1M 80 yellow A-4542-6 A-4552-6
Handpieces. The CBF1 can be
used with the M16. The other 1/2″ 1/8″ Hard A-SE1H 120 white A-4543-6 A-4553-6
buffs are suitable with M1, 5/8″ 3/16″ Medium A-FB4 220 red A-4544-6 A-4554-6
M6, M7, M13, and M15 (shown above) for right side of lathe
mandrels. Muslin buffs are 3/4″ 1/8″ Medium A-SE2M 400 blue A-4545-6 A-4555-6
3/8″ Tapered Spindle Adapter A-4561
made from fine (80 x 80) weave muslin pumice pink A-4546-6 A-4556-6
3/4″ 1/8″ Hard A-SE2H
for use with all types of compounds and For left side of lathe use:
have shellac (S) reinforced center holes. 6micron peach A-4547-6 A-4557-6
3/4″ 1/4″ Medium A-FB3 3/8″ Tapered Spindle Adapter A-4562
Felt buffs are made from wool felt. 1 micron lt.green A-4548-6 A-4558-6
1″ 1/8″ Medium A-SE3M
Also for right side of lathe:
Cotton Buffs A-CHA-5 Collet Holder
Rows of Part 1″ 1/8″ Hard A-SE3H
Dia. Thick Ply Stitching No. with 1/4″ shank screw mandrels:
1″ 3/16″ 16 2 A-CB2 A-M31 or A-M31
1″ 3/8″ 40 2 A-CBF1
11⁄2″ 3/16″ 16 3 A-CB12
Collet Holder P/N: A-M30 and A-M31 Mandrel with
A-CHA5 Mandrels ScotchBrite discs

NEW! MAFH25 Filter Hood

Developed to work with Foredom’s Bench All listed buffing and polishing accessories
Lathe, the Filter Hood is compact, powerful NEW are made in the USA.
and portable for use in jewelry making, MAFH25
dental labs, or industry. It collects dust and Filter Hood
larger particles produced by light grinding
®
and polishing and can also be used with
other lathes, flex shafts or micromotors.
• Strong suction removes hazardous dust and
filters precious metal for reclaiming
FOREDOM
• Variable speed motor for 110 or 220 volt The Foredom Electric Company
• Heavy gauge steel construction 16 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801 • 203-792-8622
• CE compliant. Email: customerservice@blackstoneind.com
• Removable metal tray, gooseneck mounted
www.foredom.net
bright, LED light, polycarbonate shield.
• Comes with three filters – easy to change
and ship to a refiner. Form No. 1234 11/10 n Printed in USA
• One Year Warranty